Vestibular Schwannoma
Pronunciation: SHWON-oh-mah
A benign tumour of the Schwann cells of the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve, formerly and still commonly referred to as acoustic neuroma.
Full Definition
Vestibular schwannoma is the preferred contemporary clinical term for a slow-growing, benign neoplasm arising from the myelin-forming Schwann cells of the vestibular (not acoustic) division of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII). It typically presents with unilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular dysfunction. Audiological indicators include asymmetric high-frequency hearing loss, abnormal acoustic reflex decay, and elevated or absent ABR wave I–V interpeak latencies. The older term 'acoustic neuroma' is a misnomer—the tumour is neither acoustic nor a neuroma—but remains common in patient-facing and lay literature. Editors should use 'vestibular schwannoma' in clinical and scientific documents and flag 'acoustic neuroma' for correction unless quoting historical usage.
Usage
Usage note: 'Acoustic neuroma' is widely understood and may be retained in patient-facing copy or lay publications, but must be flagged and updated in peer-reviewed clinical manuscripts.
In Context
- "MRI confirmed a 1.4 cm vestibular schwannoma on the right side, consistent with the audiological findings of asymmetric high-frequency loss." — Neuro-otological diagnostic report
- "Replace 'acoustic neuroma' with 'vestibular schwannoma' throughout; add a parenthetical note on first use for lay readers." — Editorial revision note for patient information leaflet